What is the primary purpose of using a diver’s buoy when wreck diving?

The primary purpose of using a diver’s buoy when wreck diving is for safety signaling and surface awareness for boats. A diver’s buoy, often referred to as a surface marker buoy (SMB), is deployed to signal to boats and other surface traffic that divers are present in the water below. This is crucial for preventing accidents and ensuring the safety of divers, as it alerts boat operators to keep a safe distance.

When divers are submerged, they may not be visible to those on the surface, putting them at risk from incoming vessels. The buoy serves as a visual indicator, allowing for safer practices during wreck diving. Additionally, it helps in maintaining proper divers' positioning and surface awareness, which is vital for planning safe ascents or emergencies.

While divers might use a buoy for navigation in certain circumstances, equipment storage is not its intended use, nor is it primarily for marking the wreck location. It's important to focus on the buoy's role in promoting safety and facilitating effective communication between divers and the surface environment.